AN HISTORICAL-PERSPECTIVE OF ION-BOMBARDMENT RESEARCH FOR CORROSION STUDIES

As early as the beginning of the 1970s, there was a strong interest in modifying the corrosion properties of metals by ion implantation. Sci entists were excited by the possibility of producing and studying meta stable or stable surface alloys. However, the initial enthusiasm decre ased considerably when the problems arising from the modification of v ery shallow layers by ion bombardment were realized. The different pha ses of research and development in this held (1973-1984, 1985-1991 and 1991-1995) are reviewed with respect to the major achievements and re sults obtained. Some important directions of research are illustrated by examples taken from the work of different groups. The present situa tion is dominated by new techniques such as IBAD, IBEST, PII and high current metal ion implantation. The prospects for further development, in terms of cost reduction and application to corrosion protection, a re discussed.